Three clubs in the race to sign £71m Liverpool star this summer | OneFootball

Nunez courted by AC Milan and Napoli amid Liverpool uncertainty

Darwin Nunez is at the centre of growing transfer speculation, with interest intensifying across Europe and the Middle East. Liverpool’s stance on their number nine appears to be softening, as Fenway Sports Group weigh up a potential summer departure for the 25-year-old forward.

With reports from multiple sources suggesting the Reds are open to offers, suitors are beginning to circle. Napoli and AC Milan have emerged as two of the most credible European destinations, while Saudi giants Al-Hilal remain firm in their pursuit.

AC Milan weigh up Nunez loan amid financial caution

AC Milan have initiated early dialogue with Liverpool, but remain hesitant to commit to a full-scale bid. There is belief among decision-makers at San Siro that Nunez fits the tactical profile they’re seeking in a frontman. However, concerns over his €70m (£59.7m) valuation have prompted the Rossoneri to explore a loan arrangement rather than a permanent acquisition.

That cautious approach underlines Milan’s strategy to build sustainably while remaining competitive in Serie A and Europe. Their recruitment team sees potential in Nunez, but the club is unwilling to stretch beyond their budget constraints for a player who has had an inconsistent spell in the Premier League.

Napoli eye Conte-approved forward for key role

Napoli, fresh from a turbulent season, view Nunez as an ideal fit for Antonio Conte’s new-look system. The club’s sporting director, Giovanni Manna, has reportedly been in quiet pursuit of the Uruguayan, with efforts to structure a deal now entering a more advanced phase.

While Napoli have the financial muscle to meet Liverpool’s asking price, they are presently working towards a loan deal without an obligation to buy – a move which may not sit well with FSG, who are hoping for a clean, permanent exit.

“Napoli manager Antonio Conte also views the 25-year-old as a good fit for his system, and their sporting director Giovanni Manna has been working on a potential swoop for several weeks.”

Should the Serie A champions shift their stance and make a firm offer, they could leapfrog AC Milan and Al-Hilal in the race, particularly as Nunez is keen to remain in Europe.

Al-Hilal ready to spend but face European resistance

Al-Hilal, ever ambitious in their recruitment drive, were the first to make an official approach for Nunez. The Saudi Pro League side are fully prepared to meet Liverpool’s €70m valuation and have presented a substantial package to both club and player.

“Al-Hilal were the first club to approach LFC about the Uruguayan and are prepared to meet the Reds’ valuation of him, although the player would rather stay in Europe (Serie A and LaLiga are of particular interest to him) than relocate to Saudi Arabia.”

Despite their financial power, Al-Hilal face a major hurdle – the player’s reluctance to leave European football at this stage of his career. Nunez has eyes on either Serie A or La Liga, making the Saudi option less appealing unless European interest dries up.

Liverpool target Ekitike as Nunez future unfolds

With Liverpool preparing for life after Nunez, attention has shifted towards Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike as a possible replacement. The club’s recruitment team have closely monitored the Frenchman, with internal discussions underway on whether to accelerate their pursuit.

“With Liverpool putting Nunez up for sale this summer, they’re considering a swoop for Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike…”

However, timing will be crucial. Should Liverpool manage to finalise Nunez’s exit early in the window, they could gain a strategic edge over rivals also interested in Ekitike – notably Manchester United and Chelsea.

For now, there’s no clear frontrunner to land the Uruguayan, and with pre-season fast approaching, Liverpool face a balancing act between securing a favourable deal and ensuring Jürgen Klopp’s squad remains competitive.